Back to Life

Thanks to all of you for your patience during these last few weeks. In early August my father became very ill, and he passed away on August 27. 

Those who have experienced grief know that it does ease with the passage of time,  and eventually it feels good to let the pain take a rest and get back to the old familiar rhythms. This autumn has been especially beautiful in Colorado, and while I don’t fully understand the mysteries of death I often feel my father’s spirit when I’m out in the yard.  In the front garden I see that without much TLC from me, the currant bush has been thriving in its new location and appears to be well established for the cooler months to come. The circle of life continues, the changing seasons a reassuring constant during life’s inevitable trials.

 

Not Breaking Much New Ground

I have been trying to dig a hole in the front yard to plant a currant bush. After two attempts, I am only halfway there. The hole is full of roots, and the clay soil is so hard I can barely get the spade in, even after filling it with water. The hole needs to be at least twice as large as the container so I can amend as much of the soil as possible with compost.

To to it off, I unearthed a nice grouping of tulip bulbs when I started digging. So they will all need a new home as well. 

Sometimes when I am writing against a tight deadline and the words just won’t come, I grumble and say it’s “like shoveling rocks.” It feels just like digging this hole – slow and seemingly futile. The only way to work through is just to keep on writing, or keep on digging. Hack, hack, chisel, chisel…..